For two glorious days in August, I attended a livestream of the 2025 Global Leadership Summit. The Ohio Reformatory for Women was once again a host site and I was among 50 inmates selected to watch the summit in our air-conditioned chapel. An absolute blessing and utterly delightful break from this summer’s wickedly hot prison routine.
The actual conference is in a suburb of Chicago with host sites around the world, literally from Australia to Zimbabwe, and over 110 countries in between. Talk about being part of something bigger than yourself! What an incredible experience to sit at the feet — virtually speaking — of some of the country’s best leaders and learn how to improve my own leadership skills.
The fascinating and diverse lineup of presenters included a football coach, country music star, scientist, choreographer, several CEOs, pastors, psychologists, researchers and authors. The humility and honesty with which they shared their leadership journeys and lessons made them so relatable and genuine; by the end of the conference, I felt like I could call any one of them for a chat!
To be clear, though, cellphones are major contraband, our “approved phone number list” is capped at 15 and mine is full, so there is zero chance of that happening! Nevertheless, I came away inspired, thankful, energized and better equipped to lead right where I am.
The overarching message of this year’s summit was Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Every presenter had experienced some version if it. They had faced challenges yet continued to do good, work hard and grow, making this conference an opportunity to share their harvest, so to speak.
Galatians 6:9 is in my top-five favorite verses list; it’s a reminder to continue pushing myself further in all aspects of my life: spiritually, physically, psychologically and emotionally.
By participating in groups, programming and therapy, having integrity, being trustworthy and responsible and staying the course, I have become a good leader. Yet, by remembering to remain faithful, work hard and trust God despite the vortex of chaos and uncertainty that swirls through the prison often, I have become a better person.
One of my best qualities is persistence (although my parents prefer to call it plain ‘ol stubbornness). When I set my mind to something, whether it’s affecting change in my surroundings, my personal journey of growth or building stronger relationships, I’m 101 percent dedicated. Sometimes the harvest is fruitful and joyous, sometimes it’s dry and disappointing, sometimes it takes more than one or two or four tries. I do my part to the very best of my abilities — the result and timing are up to God.
At the Global Leadership Summit (GLS), Craig Groeschel, founder and pastor of Life Church, spoke of the quiet power of persistence. He said to be the best leader, you have to be consistent. Charisma and immediate results only get you so far. Consistency and faithfulness, with time, will create a lasting impact.
He even created a fun math equation: (C+F) x T = I! As a secret math nerd, I loved the formula and have committed it to memory. I am positive it will serve me well both inside and outside of prison.
I reflected on my job as program aide (inmate manager) of the Stitching Post where we make, among over things, over 500 going home tote bags per year for women being released from prison. I’m very passionate about our cause — I believe it’s important for women to step into their new lives with a strong (and cute!) tote bag made with love and care instead of a flimsy, clear trash bag. My standards are high and it takes time because this is a good way I can consistently and faithfully serve the Lord as well as my peers.
The lasting impact? Leadership lessons for me and a great bag for them, whether it ends up as an everything-goes-in bag, a gift for their child or reminder to not come back to prison.
Legendary former Alabama football coach and 2025 Hall of Fame inductee Nick Saban took the stage, and as a huge football fan, I couldn’t wait to hear his message! I’m a Buckeye through and through but was surprised when he referenced his time as an OSU assistant coach under Earle Bruce more so than head coach for Alabama. But that’s where he learned some of his best lessons.
On Senior Tackle Day, right before the Michigan game in 1981, he along with the other coaches addressed the team. He said the mental toughness, stamina, self-determination and passion of every individual would become the fuel and fight for the entire team, and they needed a lot of it to beat Michigan. Then he quoted the late, great Woody Hayes: “There are no great victories without tremendous adversity.” I wonder if Woody realized he was paraphrasing Galatians 6:9?
Coach Saban said that game was one of the tremendous challenges of his career. Ohio State won 14-9.
Coach and his wife, Miss Terry, are devoted Catholics whose faith has guided and grounded them. He talked at length about leaving a legacy that lasts far beyond football championships. He has seven by the way, so he’s serious!
They want to use their resources and influence to truly make an impact on people’s lives. He explained what he prays for — ways to share what they’ve been blessed with in order to be a blessing to everyone they meet. “It’s what you give back, not what you got, that matters,” he said.
The Nick’s Kids Foundation and the Saban Learning Center in Alabama are two examples. They focus on education, particularly STEM and the arts, “with a little football thrown in, too.” He also said, “It’s OK to be proud of what you accomplish as long as you don’t get complacent.”
“There are times after a big accomplishment or project that people get relief syndrome — thinking they have the right to coast indefinitely because one success will carry them. Wrong!” he said. “Losing regard and respect for what it took to be successful is a sure way to affect future performance and will ultimately lead to failure. I’m careful to limit how much time I rest after a success; it can be a slippery slope that I don’t want to slide down because the landing is usually hard, embarrassing and … “
There are no secret failures on the prison grapevine! I’m very cognizant of who gives me the strength or insight to achieve anything. God does. I never want to let Him down by getting uppity. My accomplishments mean more due to the adversity and obstacles God leads me through.
I have learned that leadership, like discipleship, is not for the faint of heart. Jesus said as much to His followers and He was the greatest leader of all! I get it and I will continue to listen to His words in the myriad ways they’re phrased. I want my leadership to show my discipleship and trust. Remaining consistent and faithful, over the arc of time, I believe I will reap a great harvest because I will not give up.
Michele Williams is an inmate at the Ohio Reformatory for Women.
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